ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

I have a large, neutered male cat who is a master of the scarf and barf. He eats so quickly that soon afterward, the projectile vomits. I have tried food for sensitive stomachs, but it hasn't helped. Because I have three other cats, it is not realistic for me to monitor all his food intake. It would be perfect if there were a feeding system that excludes one cat, but I have not seen any of those. Have you? He does not vomit wet food. Do you have any suggestions?

— Liz Perry, Hampton, Virginia

Dear Liz,

An automatic feeder for each cat would allow you to regulate feeding habits, portion control, and type of food. These feeders are equipped with technology that recognizes individual cats via a tag on their collar or their microchip. Each cat's tag or microchip is programmed into the feeder, ensuring it only opens for the designated cat. This recognition system allows you to customize feeding schedules and portions for each cat.

For instance, if one cat requires a special diet or has different feeding needs, the feeder will dispense the appropriate food only for that cat. Setting up multiple feeders allows you to provide different foods for each cat based on their dietary needs and without them accessing each other's food.

I know these devices can be expensive, and buying four might be prohibitive for you, but it's really the best investment when you have multiple pets since diets and portions are not always the same for each one. This way, you can feed your large male wet food instead of dry since the latter seems to trigger the vomiting.

If the cost is prohibitive, feed everyone the same diet. Food allergies could also be a culprit, so feeding everyone the same food might be a necessary compromise.

I also recommend taking him to the vet to rule out health problems. It doesn't sound like vomiting is related to hairballs, but adding hairball medicine or switching to hairball cat food might also help. Let me know how it works out.

Dear Cathy,

We have a one-year-old Cocker Spaniel who jumps in our bed every morning between 4 and 5 a.m. We tell her to get down, but a half hour later, she jumps up again. Our four-year-old cockapoo waits until the alarm clock goes off. Any suggestions?

— Larry, Norfolk, Virginia

Dear Larry,

Just like babies who wake up early, it sounds like your young Cocker Spaniel is ready to start her day. There are several things you can try.

Gradually train her to wait for the alarm clock, similar to your Cockapoo, using positive reinforcement when she gets off the bed or stays off the bed until the alarm goes off. Continue to use the "down" command, as consistency is key in training, and reward her with treats when she does.

Provide a comfortable alternative sleeping area for her in your bedroom, such as a dog bed, and encourage her to use it with treats and praise.

Consider crate training her at night to provide a safe and comfortable space and prevent her from coming into your room so early.

Ensure she gets plenty of exercise during the day, as a tired dog is more likely to sleep through the night. Talk her for walks during the day, and establish a calming bedtime routine, including a short walk, some quiet play, or a relaxing petting session before bed.

With time and training, she should learn to respect your boundaries.

Dear Cathy,

Back in April, I wrote to you about my scared and skittish new six-year-old cat named Tucker, and in the column, "Tips for bringing out the best in your skittish cat," you offered several suggestions on how to help him adapt to his new home. I'm so happy to report that Tucker has become a total love bug. It just shows that love is better the second time around. The outcome was well worth the effort.

— Elaine, Franklin Square, New York

Dear Elaine,

I'm thrilled to hear that Tucker has become such a love bug! Your patience and care have made a difference. It shows that even the most skittish cats can blossom in their own time with love and understanding. Tucker is lucky to have found such a loving home with you.

To all other readers facing similar challenges, remember that every cat has its own pace of adjustment. With patience, love, and the right environment, your furry friend can become a confident and affectionate companion. Don't give up — your efforts will be rewarded.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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